Breed History

Their history dates back to the 1860's when the breed was developed in England to serve as a companion and estate guard dog. Their purpose was to discourage the common practice of poaching on the numerous large English Estates. Their strength and apparent ferocity proved very successful in combating the poacher problem. Referred to as "the gamekeeper's night dog", the Bullmastiff would intercept poachers and their very strength and weight would hold the intruder down on the ground until their master arrived on the scene. This is an important point for fanciers to remember. Do remember that the breed standard calls for "a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, powerfully built, but active. The dog is fearless yet docile, has endurance and alertness".

Bullmastiffs are a man-made breed comprising of 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog (old style). The original colour of the Bullmastiff was brindle so as to blend with its background therefore making it undetectable to the poachers. The fawn colour appeared as more fawn mastiffs were introduced, and it is believed that the red came from the 'secret' interbreeding of the Dogue de Bordeaux.


(extracts from The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual by Bill Walkey)

Recommended Literature:

The Bullmastiff Fancier’s Book (Hard Cover) – Bill Walkey
The Bullmastiff Today – Lyn Pratt
The Mastiff Bullmastiff Handbook – Douglas Oliff
Bullmastiff – Clifford Hubbard
The Bullmastiff Fancier's Manual – Bill Walkey
Peerless Protector – Jack Shastid, Geraldine Roach
Bullmastiffs – Alan & Mave Rostron